Musandam Discovery Diving Centre: Transforming Oman’s Marine Tourism
KHASAB — The Musandam Discovery Diving Centre in Oman’s Musandam Governorate has emerged as a pioneering project turning the region’s deep seas into a premier global destination for diving enthusiasts. The centre has successfully combined passion for the marine environment with tourism development, attracting visitors from around the world.
Badr Mohammed Al Shehhi, the centre’s founder, shared that his journey began in the fishing profession before his curiosity about the underwater world led him to pursue diving professionally. He trained at a centre affiliated with a German company in Khasab and later earned a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) license, eventually establishing his own centre in 2015.
Musandam’s unique fjords (khors) and diverse marine life, blending mountainous and marine environments, make it an ideal habitat for rare species. The centre currently offers trips to over 30 diving sites daily, along with training courses, “Discover Scuba Diving” programs for beginners, and snorkeling excursions.
Al Shehhi emphasized the centre’s role in marine conservation. It supports the Musandam Diving Team, a volunteer group conducting seabed cleanups and coral cultivation projects. Divers are also trained in buoyancy techniques to protect fragile coral reefs from unintentional damage.
Tourists visiting Musandam have expressed admiration for the healthy state of the coral reefs, often spending a full week exploring the underwater environment through daily dives. The centre has also gained international recognition, being the first Omani company to participate in Germany’s “Boot Düsseldorf” maritime sports exhibition. It further helped organize the inaugural Musandam International Diving Festival in collaboration with the Governorate’s office.
Encouraging Omani youth to explore marine tourism, Al Shehhi highlighted the importance of unique ideas and innovative activities tailored to the local market. Looking ahead, the centre plans to introduce new marine experiences by next summer, aiming to position Musandam as a leading destination on the global diving map.
